Bell & Ross seem to be on a roll in doing this one thing that is pertinent in watchmaking today: Make watches that people will genuinely want to buy. It’s a principle that Revolution’s founder, Wei Koh has reminded us time and time again and yet it would seem that this simple idea has eluded far too many, for far too long.

For Bell & Ross, a case in point to this matter would, without a doubt, have to be the BR 03-92 Square Diver. And if we might dare suggest so, today’s announcement from the brand — the BR X1 Black Titanium Chronograph — has every potential to be another one that fits this bill. Because, 1) it’s unmistakably a Bell & Ross watch and 2) it possesses the contemporary cool factor that today’s young (or young-at-heart) watch buyer is drawn to.

We begin with the watch case, which sits at the typical 45mm BR X1 chronograph models’ dimension and comprises of a titanium bezel with its external ring in black ceramic, just around the circular face of the watch. The rest of the case is in titanium grade 5. Ceramic is used for the bumpers that protect corners of the case and the lugs. The chronograph pushers and as well the protective layer around the crown is made of rubber.

The movement within is the same automatic BR-CAL.313 found in all of Bell & Ross’ BR X1 chronograph watches. The skeletonized caliber is able to indicate hours, minutes and has a small running seconds at 3 o’clock. The chronograph indications include the central chrono-seconds hand and the 30-minute totalizer at 9 o’clock. Lastly, there is also the skeletonized date wheel that shows itself through the aperture at 6 o’clock.

The BR X1 Black Titanium Chronograph will be produced in a limited run of just 250 pieces and has been priced at CHF 17,200.

For more information on the watch check out www.bellross.com

Technical Specifications: Bell & Ross BR X1 Black Titanium Chronograph

Movement

Self-winding BR-CAL.313; hours, minutes and seconds; chronograph with 30-minute totalizer; date indication; 42-hour power reserve

Case

45mm; titanium and ceramic with rubber inserts; water resistant to 100-meters

Strap

Woven black rubber